1917
Gherzen Lyrics


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1. Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no drivin' wheel,
Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no drivin' wheel.
You all been down and lonesome, you know just how a poor man feels.

2. Been shooting craps and gambling, momma, and I done got broke,
Been shooting craps and gambling, momma, and I done got broke,
I done pawned my pistol, baby, my best clothes been sold.
Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord,
Lordy, Lord.

3. I went down in my praying ground, fell on my bended knees,
I went down in my praying ground, fell on my bended knees,
I ain't cryin' for no religion, Lord, give me back my good gal please.

4. If you give me back my baby, I won't worry you no more,
Give me back my baby, I won't worry you no more,
Don't have to put her in my house, Lordy, just lead her to my door.

Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord,
Lordy, Lord.

5. Can't you hear me, baby, rappin' on your door?
Can't you hear me, baby, rappin' on your door?
Now you hear me tappin', tappin' across your floor.

6. Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no drive at all,
Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no drive at all.
What make me love my woman, she can really do the Georgia Crawl.

7. Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no whistle or bell,




Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no whistle or bell,
If you're a real hot momma, come take away Daddy's weeping spell.

Overall Meaning

The song "Broke Down Engine" is a blues classic, originally recorded by Blind Willie McTell in 1931. It has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, and in this particular version, Gherzen's "1917", the lyrics are slightly altered. The song is about a man who is down on his luck and feels hopeless, comparing himself to a broken down engine. He has gambled away all his money and pawned his possessions, including his gun and best clothes, to try and win it back. Despite his situation, he still longs for his lost love, praying for her return and promising to change his ways. He says he doesn't need her in his house, but just wants her to come back to him. He also tells her he can't stop thinking of her, and her ability to dance the Georgia Crawl is one of the reasons he loves her. He finishes the song by saying that if any hot mamas are listening, they can come and help take away his sadness.


The lyrics of the song are a classic example of blues music, which often dealt with themes of heartbreak, poverty, and despair. The repetition of the phrase "feel like a broke-down engine" evokes a sense of weariness and hopelessness, with the singer feeling like he has no direction or purpose. The use of religious imagery, such as praying and kneeling, also adds to the sense of longing and desperation, with the man asking for divine intervention to bring his love back to him. The reference to the Georgia Crawl, a popular dance of the time, adds a touch of nostalgia and romanticism to the song, hinting at the happier times the singer once had.


Line by Line Meaning

Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no drivin' wheel,
I am exhausted and powerless, with no direction or purpose.


You all been down and lonesome, you know just how a poor man feels.
Those who have experienced hardship and loneliness can empathize with the feelings of a poor man.


Been shooting craps and gambling, momma, and I done got broke,
I have been gambling and lost all my money.


I done pawned my pistol, baby, my best clothes been sold.
I have resorted to pawning my belongings, including my pistol and best clothes.


I went down in my praying ground, fell on my bended knees,
I have prayed for help and guidance.


I ain't cryin' for no religion, Lord, give me back my good gal please.
I am not praying for religious reasons, I am only asking for my lost love to return to me.


Give me back my baby, I won't worry you no more,
If my love returns to me, I promise to no longer be a burden to others.


Don't have to put her in my house, Lordy, just lead her to my door.
I do not require lavish gifts or grand gestures, I only want my love to come back to me.


Can't you hear me, baby, rappin' on your door?
I hope my love hears my pleas for her return.


Now you hear me tappin', tappin' across your floor.
I am persistent in my quest to be reunited with my love.


Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no drive at all,
I continue to feel hopeless and directionless.


What make me love my woman, she can really do the Georgia Crawl.
The dance moves of my love are what initially drew me to her.


Feel like a broke-down engine, ain't got no whistle or bell,
Without my love, I feel incomplete and lacking purpose.


If you're a real hot momma, come take away Daddy's weeping spell.
If there is someone out there who can make me happy again, please come and relieve my sadness.




Contributed by Hunter F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@tommylee9339

I've always felt like you're not supposed to find some records until the time is right. This would be one of those records, and also a reason I visit BMP daily. Seriously keep this channel going, it means a lot to people like me.

@manann

I have not visited this channel in quite a while before this evening, but what you said is why i keep coming back, there is always new gems to discover!

@tomasbrancos214

Ok this shit made me cry. I ve forgotten black metal could be so honest and beatiful

@recklesshorse3687

🇷🇺Gherzen - 1917отличный альбом👍Я всем русским пишу комментарии, но и как же Gherzen не отметить. Круто парни 👏. Thank You BMP ✊🐎🤘🤟

@karikovacs3824

I've just discovered your channel a few days earlier and I am in awe. This is the third band that gives me goosebumps. Thank you!

@bmpromotion

Glad you like it. Enjoy. :)

@samsana7568

Which are the other two?

@karikovacs3824

Glad you asked. Deitus and Yith. They're touching something in me.

@samsana7568

Yes same with Yith. And I don't know Deitus yet but I will listen to them as well I guess. ;)

@koreanhalaymaster

Im gonna listen to bands you're talkin about, couse i love this one, thanks.

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